Luxury & Adventure
New Zealand
New Zealand Luxury & Adventure
Beginning in Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake and a nature lovers paradise, you’ll stay in one of the country’s top properties, evolved from a simple fishing lodge, nestled within a landscape of snow-capped peaks, wild tussock, forests and clear blue lakes and streams. Positioned on a beautiful stretch of the Waikato River surrounded by 17 acres of manicured gardens, spend your days fishing the turquoise green waters, hike through beautiful forests, soar over the magnificent Kaimanawa Ranges or borrow a kayak and float down the spectacular Waikato River.
Moving to the tip of the South Island explore the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound in a 75-year-old classic vessel as you hear stories of the area, learn about the native birds and let your day unfold guided by the tides, weather and wildlife. Exploring one of the world’s premier eco-marine destinations with its unparalleled marine life and spectacular landscapes. Get close to nature with a series of nature walks from beach to bush, try your hand at ocean fishing, visit bachelor sperm whales, swim with dolphins or seals, or take to the sky to enjoy a birds eye view of Kakioura’s marine activity, all these and many more can be tailored to suit your particular interests.
Journey through “the spiritual centre of the universe” as described by the Dalai Lama and cross over the spectacular Arthur’s Pass to be hosted by one of New Zealand’s master greenstone carvers. Lifting out of this remote frontier embark on a “once in a lifetime” journey as you soar over the incredible scenery of the West coast before dropping into the iconic and dramatic alpine scenery to escape into nature as you walk the trails, explore the farm by 4×4 vehicle, wander through the native beech forest and valleys on horseback or heli bike from the top of a mountain.
At the end there is an option to take a privately guided adventure by e-bike along the famous Motatapu Track crossing rivers, climbing hills and taking a few steep descents as you follow a route early Maori used for hunting and gathering, and to move Pounamu (Greenstone) while taking in the spectacular views finishing in the adventure capital of the world.
You will love
- Awe inspiring landscapes
- Boutique, hand-picked accommodation
- Mountains, forests, lakes, rivers and waterfalls
- Exquisite gastronomy and fine wine
- Exclusive access and one-off experiences
- Spiritual connections
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
14 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
PLEASE NOTE:
This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey but it is an example only. All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis. Hike or bike remote trails and take a dip in a private natural geothermal pool. Renowned as an adventure lover’s playground, Lake Taupo has many activity options to choose from, including fly-fishing, rafting, heli flips and more.
DAY 1-4 | HUKA LODGE – TAUPO | 4 NIGHTS
Arrive in Auckland and transfer by road or air to Taupo. Experience a traditional Maori welcome on the holy mountain Titiraupenga. Spend the day with local spiritual people in different locations to understand the position of carving within Maori spirituality.
DAY 5-6 | MAORI ECO CRUISES – MARLBOROUGH REGION | 2 NIGHTS
Board your near 90-year-old classic vessel and drift through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound as you hear stories of the area, learn about the native birds, take guided walks and let your days unfold guided by the tides, weather and wildlife and your interests.
DAY 7 | HAPUKU LODGE – KAIKOURA | 1 NIGHTS
Explore one of the world’s premier eco-marine destinations with its unparalleled marine life and spectacular landscapes. Get close to nature with a series of nature walks from beach to bush, try your hand at ocean fishing, visit bachelor sperm whales, swim with dolphins or seals and soar across the sky to enjoy a birds eye view of Kakioura’s marine activity.
DAY 8-9 | RUMI LODGE or EXPEDITION CAMP – HOKITIKA | 2 NIGHTS
Join the son of the Paramount Chief in the heart of Pounamau (greenstone) country and discover the local sacred river only accessible by Maori. Look for greenstone learning how it is found and its properties as well as how to work it. At night enjoy local cuisine around the campfire under the stars.
DAY 10-12 | MAHU WHENUA – WANAKA | 3 NIGHTS
Lift out of this remote frontier and explore the stunning landscape of the West coast before dropping into iconic and dramatic alpine scenery to escape into nature as you walk the trails, explore the farm by 4×4 vehicle, wander through the native beech forest and valleys on horseback or heli bike from the top of a mountain.
DAY 13-14 | QUEENSTOWN | 2 NIGHTS
Enjoy the energy of this action packed adventure town with a range of excellent shopping, restaurants and bars to choose from.
NEED TO KNOW
Please enquire for pricing
Start: Auckland, New Zealand
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Finish: Queenstown, New Zealand
This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey but it is an example only. All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis.
An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.
Judith & Roger Williams
Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!
The McGowan Tribe
It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.
Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud
The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
Annette Whiley
Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10
Di & Kingsley Yates
Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.
Ron & Alison Guthrie
If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.
Miriam & Joseph Harrison
Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.
Andrew & Pip Stevens
Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!
Ros Wheeler
Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.
Simon & Jackie Adams
The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
Emma Jeffcoat
You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham Family
Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.
Tim Bradley
Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!
Jane & Robert Happell
Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.
Paul Cozzi
An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!
Sheryl & Robert Taylor
We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!
Laurence & Remi Cunningham
Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.
Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones
The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.
Rowntree family
We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.
Kim & Brad Balance
Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford family
We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
Mark Taylor
Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.
Elizabeth Mackintosh
Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip.
Jenny Kidd
